Carol B. Emmott helped pioneer the significant expansion of the role of women in careers in the health profession. She completed her Ph.D. in health policy in 1975 at a time of great transformation in both the health industry and in professional prospects for women.

At a time of major government efforts to contain costs and promote quality in American healthcare, Emmott was drawn to the policy arena. Following significant work on the local, state, and national stage, she played an important role in founding the California Association of Public Hospitals (CAPH), focusing on the state’s underserved populations.

During her long tenure at CAPH, Emmott and her colleagues were successful in bringing billions of dollars of state and federal funds to help support California’s healthcare safety net, most importantly gaining passage of legislation that enabled the rebuilding of the majority of these vital facilities. CAPH continues today, 30 years later, to support the advancement of California’s public hospitals. In 2015 the organization created a lifetime achievement award in Emmott’s name.

After 15 years in federal, state, and local health policy, Emmott complemented her career by contributing to private sector health through senior level executive recruiting.

During the course of her 25-year career in executive search, Emmott was a partner at three of the top four international recruiting firms: Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles, and Russell Reynolds Associates. Emmott’s last 10 years were dedicated to building and leading the health services practice at Russell Reynolds Associates.

Emmott was successful in recruiting many of the top leaders in health, across a broad swath of the industry, including academic medical centers, major health plans, significant health systems, and prominent health policy positions.

Additionally, Emmott established the Russell Reynolds CEO Roundtable, comprised of leaders from every corner of American healthcare, including providers, managed care, healthcare technology, life sciences, and all key advisors, vendors, and association leaders who advanced health transformation toward a better integrated, quality-driven sustainable model.

As changes in the field of health continued, Emmott became aware of both the needs and opportunities in the private sector. She came to realize the impact she could have through developing leaders for the future.

Emmott’s 25 years in executive search for health leaders across all industry segments and across the globe made her keenly aware of the critical need to help advance the impact of women in health. Emmott was sensitive to the unique challenges women faced in developing effective work-life balance and achieving their highest potential

Emmott’s dedication and never-ending pursuit of the growth and development of women health leaders led to the development of the Carol Emmott Fellowship, which integrates focused mentorship, expansion of skills, and a network of professional peers.

The Carol Emmott Fellowship serves as a tribute to the path she blazed, strengthening health practice by amplifying the contributions, perspectives, and expertise of women health leaders.